High school can be overwhelming, with busy schedules and endless homework. Managing workloads, balancing time and getting the most out of the high school experience challenges many. However, after experiencing the four years of high scho

Photo Courtesy of Neeva Gaine
ol flying by, I have found strategies to manage your limited time in high school. The fast pace of high school can often get in the way of enjoying the short time we have here while staying on top of school work. As graduation creeps up for the class of 2025, I can confirm that developing strategies to manage your time is essential in maximizing the high school journey.
Reducing Stress:
In Marin, excessive pressures are constantly placed on students to perform well and maintain impressive grades. However, in the midst of worrying about the grade of your last math test, it can be easy to lose track of the bigger picture. While it is important to put your best effort into education, it is not beneficial to be overly harsh on yourself for something as simple as the grade on your last test. Instead of worrying about something that happened in the past, focus on what you can do better in the future. In order to reduce scholastic stress, it is important to avoid procrastination so that you can spend time doing activities you love.
Friendships:

(Evelyn Spiegel)
Not only is it crucial to spend time doing activities you love, but it is also key to surround yourself with people who uplift you. The social transition from middle school to high school can be harsh as you meet many new people and begin to build new friendships while simultaneously trying to uphold past ones. Ultimately, what should be prioritized is surrounding yourself with the people you are happiest around. Having friends you can lean on is essential in the process of maximizing your highschool experience.
Utilize Resources:
Of course, high school is not always smooth sailing for everyone. When faced with challenges during a major time of change, it is really vital to dig into the resources provided. Support can often be found through relationships with your family and friends, but it is also often offered by teachers. Forming positive connections with educators can create a safer space in high school. Similarly, leveraging off of resources like the Wellness Center and College and Career Center will most definitely aid any underclassmen students in the path of success.

Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Polidora
Going into high school, I was always warned that the years “fly by” and now standing at graduation, I can confidently say that those words could not be more true. Making the best out of these four short years is very impactful and will leave you remembering your high school experience in a brighter light. Overall, the simplest ways to manage high school is to find ways to reduce stress, form meaningful friendships and utilize provided resources. I feel lucky to have formed meaningful connections with new friends and teachers, while leaning on the resources around me. I felt constantly uplifted despite often feeling overwhelmed by my rigorous workload and busy schedule. High school is short, but there are many ways to make it impactful.